Railway Matters.

Feilding Star, Volume XIX, Issue 60, 8 September 1897, Page 3

Railway Matters.

MR CADMAN INTERVIEWED A": CHRISTCHURCH. (Per Press Association"! Ohristchurch, Sept. 6. The Ron Mr Cadtuan held an interview with the Chamber of Commerce today. The Chamber brought np the questions of the increase of speed, redaction of rates, and extension of railway lines, particularly of the East and West Coast railways. A comparison drawn by the members between North and South Island rates showed the latter to be oiuch higher. The members advocated a higher speed on the Springfield, Southbridee and Cnlverden lines. Respecting the first two, Mr Cadrnan replied that it would be unsafe, as the rails were too light. In the course of the interview Mr Cadman said that if the linen belonged to him he could spend £200,000 in their equipment to-morrow. The department was short of engines, tracks, carriages, and £50,000 was required for tracks alone This meant borrowing, an the necessary amount could not be paid ont of revenue. If the Canterbury members wanted to borrow, well and good. An* other question with regard to faster trains was the expense, and £10,00*1 a year was nothing if a few more trains ware run. Complaints were also made of the insufficient working of the import shed and the price of travellers' tickets, which wero £35 en tbe North Island lines and £50 on tho South. Tbe Minister promised to look into tbe shed complaints, but he refused to consider the traveller's ticket question. The Minister was strongly urged to do some of the Midland Railway work at th« Springfield end. Mr Cadman replied that be took over the constructed lines when completed, bat he bad nothing to do with the question of construction. The completion of tbe line rested entirely with Parliament. The Minister said be could carry out all the needed reforms if supplied with money. If more engines, carriages aod trucks could not be found by next year, the railways could not do the work. Mr Roper, president, thanked tbe Minister for the interview, and Mr Cadreplied that he could not promise to remedy all the existing defects, but would tackle tlieoi one by ouo-